Though fragile, this clever and fast-moving reptiloid protects itself with the psychoactive toxins in its own blood, squirted at high pressure from its empty eye sockets. Afflicted organisms suffer extreme, variable sensory distortion, perceiving their surroundings in warped dimensions, often Hallucinating far more Thornswaggle than are actually present.

Thornswaggle navigate entirely by sonar, emitting a squeaky, hyena-like laughter to scan their surroundings. When caught, they may drop their tails or even limbs to distract an attacker, which continue to flail and spurt blood of their own accord. They have a strong natural urge to bury themselves in hot sand.